OSHA finds workers exposed to multiple fall hazards while roofing Winnetka home

Employer name: Redhawk Roofing Inc.
Libertyville, Illinois 60048

Inspection site: 865 Gordon Terrace
Winnetka, Illinois 60093

Citations issued: Dec. 16, 2016

Investigation findings: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited Redhawk Roofing for four repeated safety violations. OSHA initiated an investigation after observing employees working at heights up to 23 feet while roofing a residential home in Winnetka without adequate fall protection.

The agency’s October 2016 inspection found the company exposed workers to:

• Fall hazards due to lack of adequate fall protection, improper rigging of fall protection systems and allowing workers to carry loads up ladders.
• Eye injury while operating pneumatic nail guns and electric saws without eye protection. 

OSHA cited the company for these hazards previously in 2014 and 2015.

Quote: “Each year, hundreds of workers suffer severe injuries when they fall on the job,” said Angeline Loftus, area director of OSHA’s Chicago North Office in Des Plaines. “Redhawk Roofing needs to immediately review its safety procedures, and follow OSHA standards to protect workers on the job before disaster strikes.”

Proposed Penalties: $63,494

View Citations here.

To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA’s toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the Chicago North Area Office at (847) 803-4800.